Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has reported an increase in respiratory illnesses, elevating the state's overall illness level from Moderate to High. This change is attributed to a rise in hospital admissions during the early winter period.

According to IDPH's Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard, emergency department visits for Acute Respiratory Illness reached over 21% in the week ending December 28, up from 17% the previous week. Emergency department visits for flu more than doubled to 6.2% from 3%, while COVID-19-related visits increased slightly to 2% from 1.5%.

In response to this uptick, IDPH issued a health alert advising hospitals and healthcare facilities to consider measures such as visitor restrictions and masking to control the spread of seasonal illnesses.

“The New Year has arrived, and Illinois is experiencing the expected winter surge in seasonal respiratory illnesses,” stated IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. He emphasized the importance of vaccinations for flu, COVID-19, and RSV as effective tools against these illnesses.

Dr. Vohra also recommended enhanced ventilation, good hand hygiene, and wearing well-fitting masks as preventive measures. These are particularly crucial for individuals over 65 or those with chronic medical conditions or compromised immune systems.

Director Vohra advised that anyone experiencing symptoms like fever or cough should seek testing and treatment early if they are at risk of serious illness or spreading it to others. Treatments for Flu and COVID-19 are most effective when administered early in the course of illness.

Public health officials reiterated that it is not too late for unvaccinated individuals to receive their shots, which take about two weeks to provide full protection.

The IDPH Respiratory Illness Dashboard recorded four pediatric deaths this season due to flu, COVID-19, and RSV, underscoring the importance of vaccinations for children.

IDPH has made available new FAQ documents on its website regarding vaccination guidance and testing procedures. The CDC also launched a new Respiratory Illness Data Channel offering county-specific information nationwide.

The FDA and CDC have approved new vaccines for COVID-19 and flu while updating recommendations on who can receive RSV vaccines. New COVID-19 vaccines and flu shots are advised for everyone over six months old; RSV vaccines are recommended for those aged 75 years and older or between 60–74 years at risk of serious illness.

COVID-19 treatments must be prescribed by healthcare providers within five to seven days after symptom onset. Antiviral treatments for flu are most effective within 48 hours of symptom appearance.

Testing locations providing free COVID-19 tests can be found using federal resources like covidtests.gov or through local pharmacies offering vaccine appointments online.

For assistance finding vaccine providers nearby, visit www.vaccines.gov or use IDPH’s Vaccine Locator Dashboard for uninsured individuals or children eligible under specific programs.